Michael Appleton after defeat at Orient: Charlton have to stop conceding when sides have short spells of pressure…
Following Charlton’s 1-0 defeat at Leyton Orient on Boxing Day, head coach Michael Appleton emphasized the need for his team to shore up their defense and avoid conceding goals during short spells of opposition pressure.
The lackluster Addicks succumbed to a late goal by Leyton Orient’s centre-half, Omar Beckles, who capitalized on substitute Dan Agyei’s cross in the 80th minute. Despite Charlton’s dominance in a lackluster first half, they failed to display the necessary creativity in front of goal.
Orient, winless at home since early October in League One, grew into the game later on and could have doubled their lead shortly after their goal when Ruel Sotiriou was thwarted. Charlton had a late chance to level when Corey Blackett-Taylor missed an opportunity, and George Dobson’s penalty appeal was denied after a challenge by Beckles.
The defeat snapped Charlton’s seven-game undefeated run, and they have now won only two of their last 10 League One matches, placing them at least 11 points adrift of the top six.
Appleton expressed his frustration and disappointment, particularly highlighting Charlton’s struggle to keep clean sheets since mid-October. He acknowledged that the team faced moments of pressure from opponents, culminating in conceding crucial goals in short bursts.
While Appleton did not feel under pressure during the match, he stressed the importance of addressing defensive vulnerabilities during brief spells of opposition attacks. He called for collective resilience from the team to prevent conceding in such situations.
When questioned about the recurrent issue of conceding after short attacking bursts by opponents like Cambridge United, Burton Albion, and Leyton Orient, Appleton attributed it to a combination of past experiences and consistency in player selection. He acknowledged that certain players faced the consequences of similar situations in multiple games.
Appleton also commented on the team’s recent struggles in the final third, emphasizing a lack of quality in set-piece delivery, attacking set-plays, and crossing. Despite recognizing the group’s resilience and strong mentality, he identified the need for improvement in offensive execution.
In conclusion, Michael Appleton’s post-match analysis highlighted Charlton’s defensive frailties and the pressing need for improvement in the attacking third to achieve sustained success in League One.
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